Victim of Needham hit-and-run accident remembered as 'family man'

Those close to Michael Dorfman say he was a family man, a proud member of Red Sox Nation, a dedicated grandfather and salesman, and he cared about others.

Andrew Manuse

Those close to Michael Dorfman say he was a family man, a proud member of Red Sox Nation, a dedicated grandfather and salesman, and he cared about others.

Police say Dorfman was killed as he walked to his car after work Nov. 28. According to police and witness reports, Dorfman was in the crosswalk when 72-year-old Jane Goodman of Dedham hit him with her car on her way to a Wellesley Symphony Orchestra rehearsal at Massachusetts Bay Community College. Needham police say she did not stop her car.

Dorfman, who was heading to his Framingham home, was 67.

“It's senseless and tragic,” said his daughter, Lisa Trayers, an Ashland resident. “Anyone he ever came in contact with loved him. He was one of those nice, quiet guys who loved everyone. He went to his grandkids sports games, every one.”

Trayers said her father was retired but worked part-time as a salesman at Michelson's Shoes at 1082 Great Plain Ave.

“He was great to work with, a hard worker dedicated to the job, dedicated to the family,” said Dan Goldstein, manager of Michelson's Shoes. “We've only known him less than a year, but he was a joy to be with and we're going to miss him a lot.”

Goldstein said Dorfman loved the Red Sox and other Boston sports teams and talked about them all the time. The other topic of conversation: his grand kids.

Dorfman is survived by his wife, Elinor; his daughter Lisa Trayers, her husband, Michael, and their two children; his daughter Amy Dorfman; and his brother Alan Dorfman of Middleboro.